Indians Hopkins snags top ten finish in javelin at 118th Penn Relays

Unionville senior Perry Hopkins finished ninth over all in javelin at the Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA—The Penn Relays for a lot of high school athletes, marks the end of a track career and writes the final chapter, good or bad, for hundreds of students every year from across the United States, Jamaica and Canada.

On Saturday, Unionville senior Perry Hopkins concluded a sensational high school athletic career that is anything but over as his ninth place finish in the javelin, where he went up against the best the nation had to offer, is just a starting point in the next chapter for the 18-year old that will be attending the University of West Virginia in the fall.

“Throwing at the Penn Relays is an experience like none other,” said Hopkins, who also qualified for districts as a member of the Indians wrestling team. “Just to be here with the city in the background and compete against these unbelievable throwers is awesome. I hope this is not the last time I am here as I hope to continue throwing.”

With Liberty One and the Philadelphia shyline as a backdrop, Perry Hopkins competed against the countries best

Seeded in the second flight with the top ten javelin throwers in the country, Hopkins unleashed a throw of 54.70 meters (179’, 5”, in his second tossed through the heavy crosswind, which missed qualifying for the finals by the minuscule amount of less than .10 meter or about two and a half inches.

Hopkins finished four inches ahead of Jamaican phenom Rajae Gayle from Munro College high School and right behind finalist Blake Rankin from Bloomsberg Pennsylvania who recorded a throw of 54.96 meters in the finals or 180 ‘, 3 “.

“I would have loved to made the finals, but just barely missed it which was tough, my coaches are proud of what I did just to get here,” added Hopkins. “I am proud of myself as well, just to be able battle for the right to make the finals is something I will never forget. I have the rest of our league season and districts to work towards and I want to make it to states.”

Right back it- On Saturday, Hopkins and his Indians team mates competed in the annual Unionville Invitational in preparation for the stretch run in the league season and upcoming District One meet to be held at Coatesville High School.